Start date for tip booking system announced

The start date of a booking system at four household tips has been announced by Dorset Council.

The council will introduce the booking system at its recycling centres in Dorchester, Wimborne, Shaftesbury and Sherborne from Monday 23 March, with bookings open from Monday 16.

Residents will be able to book free of charge, either online or by phone, while non-Dorset residents will pay a fee.

The council says the change will reduce congestion, ensure taxpayers aren't covering waste disposal costs for neighbouring areas and prevent misuse by commercial users.

Introducing a small charge for non‑Dorset visitors will ensure the service remains fair for Dorset taxpayers and will tackle trade waste abuse, says the council.

Each site currently sees around 380 visits a day, however the new system will offer 430 bookable slots daily per site.

These can be reserved up to two weeks in advance.

Dorset Council's original plan to introduce booking at all 10 of its sites prompted a backlash and resulted in a revision of the plans to four locations.

The council's six other six recycling centres remain open without booking for Dorset residents, except when disposing of DIY waste.

Councillor Jon Andrews, Dorset Council's Cabinet Member for Place Services, said: "We've listened to residents and designed a system that's simple and fair.

"It improves the experience for Dorset households, ensures taxpayers aren't covering waste disposal costs for neighbouring areas, and helps prevent business use of household sites."

Bookings open on Monday 16 March.